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Temperature Hunt

0
Published June 28, 2012
Subject: Science
Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Place of Learning: Garden Classroom
Resource Type: Lessons
Grade Level: Grade 4, Grade 5
Uploaded by:
Rick
Program Affiliations:

In this lesson, students search for different temperatures in the garden.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Make predictions about the temperature in different parts of the garden.
  • Understand that many different microclimates exist in one garden.
  • Explain why some parts of the garden are warmer or cooler than other parts and how a gardener can use this knowledge to their advantage.
Materials
  • One thermometer for each group of 2-3 students.
  • Garden journals and pens.
Procedures

At the Opening Circle

  • Ask students if they think different temperatures exist in the garden.
  • Explain that "ambient temperature" refers to the temperature surrounding an object under discussion. Tell students today's ambient temperature.
  • Explain that students will search for different temperatures in the garden today. They will be in groups of 2-3 students. Each group needs one thermometer and each student needs their garden journal to record temperatures. Teach students how to use thermometer.
  • Challenge students to see which group can find the hottest temperature and the coolest.

In the Garden:

  • Allow students about 15 minutes to search for temperatures. Help direct them to places like the compost bin, a few inches under the soil, on top of a tomoto that has been in the sun all day, the shade of a large plant, etc...

At the Closing Circle:

  • Invite students to share their findings.
  • Discuss the range in temperatures and explain that "micro-climates" exist in the garden. These micro-climates can be used to the gardener's advantage by placing heat loving plants (ex. tomatoes) in the hotter parts of the garden and ones that like cooler weather (ex. onions) in their shade.

 

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